The Sound of Belfast sustained showcase is officially launched

Charlotte Dryden (CEO Oh Yeah Music Centre) and Michael Mormecha (Northern Ireland Music Prize shortlisted artist) launch the Sound Of Belfast 2016 programme of events in association with Blue Moon. Taking place from November 03rd - 12th, there are 31 events across the 10 days in 8 venues. Events are taking place at the Mandela Hall, Laverys, Voodoo, The Elmwood Hall, The Empire, the MAC and The Eglantine Bar. The programme is coordinated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre - Belfasts dedicated music hub, where much of the activity will take place. Tickets and more information can be found at�www.soundofbelfast.com

Published:16:10Friday 21 October 2016

Sound Of Belfast, a sustained showcase for local artists, music industry activity and community programming, has been announced.

The highlight of this year’s programme is the Northern Ireland Music Prize and the presentation of an Oh Yeah Legend Award to the band Ash (November 11).

The schedule also involves performances from the likes of Ports, Ryan Vail, The Bonnevilles, Robyn G Shiels, Girls Names, Hot Cops and Jealous Of The Birds.

There will be a premiere for the Malojian film, ‘This Is Nowhere’, which follows the band to Electrical Audio Studios, Chicago, to record with Steve Albini (Nirvana, The Pixies, Plant and Page, PJ Harvey). This takes place at the MAC on November 5.

The Breaking Into Music Youth Conference, returns for a second year on November 8, showing pathways into music and featuring input from UK and local professionals.

There are 31 events across the 10 days in eight venues. Events are taking place at the Mandela Hall, Lavery’s, Voodoo, The Elmwood Hall, The Empire, the MAC and The Eglantine Bar. The programme is coordinated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre - Belfast’s dedicated music hub, where much of the activity will take place.

Charlotte Dryden, the new CEO of Oh Yeah said: “Sound of Belfast is our way of celebrating all that is great about local music. From showcasing new talent to celebrating legends in venues across the city. What is really special is the opportunity for people to participate in some of our youth and older people events. It’s also great that we are able to keep talking and discussing opportunities and solutions for our industry, musicians and audiences through events like The Music Cities Afternoon and the Breaking Into Music Conference.”

A Music Cities afternoon will examine how Belfast can strengthen its cultural tourism status with relation to cities such as Berlin. On November 12, the Belfast Music Bus Tour will plot the stories and the soundscapes of a wonderful musical city.

Five acts from Oh Yeah’s talent development programme will also launch a CD of their work with a special gig on November 10.